god of destiny Moderator
Number of posts : 2133 Age : 32 Job/hobbies : sending souls to hell Favorite word : Go to Hell Awards : Currenty playing : Dirge of Cerberus Registration date : 2007-12-15
| Subject: Europa Universalis III Sat Feb 09, 2008 1:31 am | |
| Metachronos overall score = 8.9 / 10 Positive - Great strategic gameplay - Intuitive interface and tutorials bridge the gap between depth and ease of use - Superb multiplayer - New elements to the series further lengthen the game's scope Negative - Some contrived diplomatic options provide a cheap cause for war A little too much complications for newcomers Europa Universalis III refers to itself as a "grand strategy game" on the game box, and developer Paradox certainly isn't kidding. It may "only" span just more than 330 years of Renaissance and Reformation history, but it lets you take control of hundreds of nations, using any means at your disposal to expand your borders. It's the kind of thing that historical strategists lap up but that often leaves others in the cold. Yet, if you've been intimidated by similar complex games in the past, it's time to rethink your position. Europa Universalis III is bursting with all the features armchair generals expect while welcoming newcomers with open arms and a friendly, intuitive interface. It improves upon nearly every aspect of its predecessors, and the result is an addictive and appealing experience, even for those who usually shy away from games with screenshots that look like a geography lesson. Europa Universalis III is no graphical powerhouse, nor are most big strategy games of this type, so you won't watch big armies of two dozen individual units clashing or encounter shiny bump mapping. But in the realm of similar strategy games, the game looks quite nice and is Paradox's first excursion into a fully 3D engine. Both the world map and the menus are colorful and clear, and armies are easy to find. The flowing ocean water is a particularly nice touch. There are also some nice details on the topographical view when you zoom in, and visual cues, such as burning cities that indicate a siege under way, are done well. It also sounds attractive, thanks to a lovely soundtrack that manages to mix a number of tunes together without getting grating, which is no mean feat for an audio design that consists mostly of music. It isn't devoid of sonic cues, though, such as blade effects that indicate clashing armies and factory noises when you build provincial improvements. Europa Universalis III is the best game in the franchise, thanks to such new gameplay elements as espionage and national ideas, yet what makes it even greater is just how easy it is for almost anyone to enjoy. If sweeping strategy games with multiple layers of complex decisions have turned you off before, this is the perfect opportunity to find out what enthusiasts love about them. It may be a "grand strategy game," but it can be as big or as small as you want. Just be ready to lose dozens upon dozens of hours under its spell. | |
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Tymon Admin
Number of posts : 2411 Age : 30 Job/hobbies : Organizer of where people go when they enter hell Favorite word : WTF! Awards : None Currenty playing : Urban terror Registration date : 2007-12-09
| Subject: Re: Europa Universalis III Sat Feb 09, 2008 3:39 am | |
| what is this a real time stragity? | |
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god of destiny Moderator
Number of posts : 2133 Age : 32 Job/hobbies : sending souls to hell Favorite word : Go to Hell Awards : Currenty playing : Dirge of Cerberus Registration date : 2007-12-15
| Subject: Re: Europa Universalis III Sat Feb 09, 2008 3:40 am | |
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Tymon Admin
Number of posts : 2411 Age : 30 Job/hobbies : Organizer of where people go when they enter hell Favorite word : WTF! Awards : None Currenty playing : Urban terror Registration date : 2007-12-09
| Subject: Re: Europa Universalis III Sat Feb 09, 2008 3:44 am | |
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god of destiny Moderator
Number of posts : 2133 Age : 32 Job/hobbies : sending souls to hell Favorite word : Go to Hell Awards : Currenty playing : Dirge of Cerberus Registration date : 2007-12-15
| Subject: Re: Europa Universalis III Sat Feb 09, 2008 3:50 am | |
| maybe but you wouldn't understand, you're not the strategy type | |
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| Subject: Re: Europa Universalis III | |
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